National Pan-Hellenic Council

What is the National Pan-Hellenic Council?

The National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC) is the governing body for the 9 internationally recognized historically Black Greek-lettered fraternities and sororities known as the Divine 9. NPHC promotes interaction through forums, meetings and other mediums for the exchange of information and engages in cooperative programming and initiatives through various activities and functions.

National History The National Pan-Hellenic Council was established in 1930 at Howard University as a national coordinating body for the nine historically Black Fraternities and Sororities which had evolved on American college and university campuses by that time. Blatant racism had prevented many Black students on historically white campuses from joining general fraternities and sororities. Black were denied admittance to large numbers of campuses which still prohibited student of color from attending. Therefore, Black students on both types of campuses established fraternities and sororities to enhance their college experiences. These organizations did not then nor do they now restrict membership to people who identify as Black. They focus on social and philanthopic issues that affect uplift the Black community. Chapters Bold - Active Membership at the University of California, Santa Barbara

Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.

Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.

Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc.

Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.

Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.

Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc.

Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc.

Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc.

Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, Inc.

How to get involved & join? Whereas the Collegiate Panhellenic Council (CPC) and Inter-Fraternity Council (IFC) conducts formalized recruitment periods, NPHC organizations conduct recruitment as an individual process. This process is known as membership intake and is hosted throughout the year. Generally the process begins with an interest or informational meeting followed by membership education. The membership process culminates with initiation and a probate, or “coming-out” show in which the organization’s new members are introduced to the community.

Joining a chapter in the NPHC is a lifelong commitment to a far-reaching national organization that is both exciting and rewarding. The brotherhood/sisterhood and dedication to community service that you will share as a member of an NPHC organization is unlike any other.

Tips for NPHC recruitmentAttend Events

Look for flyers, Facebook invitations and other publicity about programs and functions that will be hosted by the organizations that you are interested in. Events are most frequently advertised on the OrgSync, the Black Scholar Hall, and EOP's African diasporic Cultural Resource Center (AdCRC -1st floor the Student Resource Building. Your attendance will show your interest in the organization, but also give you a better understanding of their programs and help you make connections with the members.

Say "Hello"Once you have identified the organization that you are interested in joining, be sure to introduce yourself. Choosing the organization that you would like to join is a serious decision, and one that can be greatly impacted by your interactions and conversations with the member.

Be PreparedChapters seek new members that have an understanding, genuine appreciation and respect for the organization. Excellent candidates for membership are those that have good academic standing (3.0+ cumulative GPA or above), researched its history, exemplify its standards and values, have leadership and community service experience, and will be a positive addition to the chapter. Take a moment to identify the personal experiences, accomplishments and beliefs that you would bring to the chapter as a new member.

Attend an InformationalAn organization's informational/interest meeting is where the criteria for membership are explained. Informational meetings may be publicized via flyers or by a direct invitation from the chapter.

Helpful Resources:

The Divine Nine: The History of African American Fraternities and Sororities by Lawrence C. Ross Jr.

Interested in an organization that is not currently listed as active?Become a pioneer in revitalizing one of the beloved NPHC organizations! Learn more about the organization's values, history and membership requirements on their national website. Once you have narrowed down your options, express interest to Jonathan Ng, Fraternity & Sorority Advisor by emailing jcng@ucsb.edu. Jonathan will be able to connect you with a local/regional representative of the organization to assist you in revitalizing the organization you have identified.

For more information about Delta Rho chapter of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc, at UCSBucsbzphibpresident@gmail.comInactive Chapters' InformationFor more information on how to join, revitalize, or bring these chapters to UCSB contact Jonathan Ng at jcng@ucsb.edu

Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. (ΦΒΣ)Founded at Howard University in 1914Colors: Royal Blue and Pure WhiteSymbol: DoveNational Program: American Cancer Society, March of Dimes, Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Boy Scouts of America and the Thurgood Marshall College Fund, Living Well Brother-To-Brother, Project VoteNational website: http://www.phibetasigma1914.org/